cause & yvette

Fall pampered feet are not something one thinks of when thinking about Autumn. It’s one of my favorite seasons with the different textures, colors, and fashions it brings with it. But with how the colder temperatures take their toll on your skin, especially your feet, you need to give them extra attention. This is why your pedicure should be as important as it is in summer, to achieve fall pampered feet. for as much as your feet won’t be seen by many.

Sure, you might not always have time to schedule one in if you’re too busy to make it to a nail salon, but that’s what I’m here for. You see, I am a very picky woman and know how I like my feet to look. And as many times as I’ve criticized someone’s poor work, I’ve gotten cut a few times. But besides that, to avoid dry skin on my feet or extremely cracked heels, I’ve been giving myself pedicures for the longest.

But Is Giving Yourself A Pedicure As Effective?

You might think, “I don’t know what I’m doing,”; “I’d rather leave it to a professional,”; or, “The dry skin on my feet is a real issue IRL.” But, answer me this, with the countless times you’ve seen your manicurist giving you a pedicure, you think you can’t replicate the process? I mean, give yourself some credit, if not, I’ll give it to you!

Now the cool thing about these products I’m going to share with you is I’ve used them all myself. And since I’m being honest, I would never recommend something I haven’t tried myself.

If I don’t take care of my feet, I begin to start calling them hooves. I hope you’ve never been there and these products will guarantee you never have to be part of that underground club. And just like that, I tried and tested products that would do the job, better than good. I live in New York City and with the cold comes the blistering dry heat from my radiator in my apartment which also robs your poor skin of moisture.

Now, when you think of budget-friendly products, this is not what I’m suggesting. Although, I’m sure some have probably tried.

Where To Start In Achieving Fall Pampered Feet

First, grab the tools you’ll need to avoid getting up and walking around with wet feet. What I usually grab is a nail file, toenail clippers, an orange stick, Glad Cling Wrap Plastic Food Wrap, and a towel.

Grab a basin that you can fit your feet in which you will need to fill with water later to soak your feet.

After you remove all of your toenail polish if you have any, you can either file your toenails then or after you’re done with everything.

Step One

One thing I love to do is to repurpose products like this Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment (Walgreens). Meant for baths to soothe itchy skin, I use it to soften the dry skin on my feet. I think it’s all due to its main ingredient of 100% colloidal oatmeal, an all-natural skin-soothing solution that attracts moisture to the skin then locking it by performing a protective barrier.

After your basin is full of hot-warm water, add an envelope of Aveeno to it. Stir it in a bit then dip in your feet. If your feet happen to be swollen, add some Epsom salt. Let them soak for about fifteen minutes. (You should also insert the pumice sponge so it can get nice and wet for when you’re ready to use.)

Pull out one of your feet, while leaving the other one still soaking. Take this opportunity to use your orange stick, to push back your cuticles. If unfamiliar, they’re those round blonde wooden sticks with the flat edges on each end. Repeat with the next foot and when you’re done, put them both back in the water for maybe a minute or so.

Step Two

Pull out one foot and carefully put some of Prolinc Callus Eliminator (Walmart) on your calluses and dry cracked heels. This is one of my secret weapons for “killer” fall pampered feet. You might find calluses on the side of your big toe, on the top or side of your little toe, and maybe along the tops or sides of your other toes. Consider yourself lucky if you don’t have any.

Be sure not to get any on your skin that doesn’t have calluses as it might sting or burn. The instructions read to apply with gloves but what I do is use its applicator. Then cover your foot with Glad Cling Wrap Plastic Food Wrap. Bet you were wondering about that one. Leave your foot covered to rest on the floor for 3-5minutes.

During this waiting period, repeat the steps above on your other foot.

Step Three

Take the first wrapped foot with the callus eliminator and carefully remove the plastic wrap without getting any on your skin. Then take the pumice sponge (Walgreens) below and start scrubbing the areas with the callus gel until smooth.

Step Four

After you’re done scrubbing your foot with the pumice sponge with the callus gel, put the sponge back in the water. Because this callus gel should not be on your skin for too long, break out St. Ives Apricot Scrub (Target) to wash off the gel, gently.

True, this is for your face but it’s a bit rough. Rarely do I use it on my face but love it for my feet. I then wash off the scrub and towel my foot dry.

Repeat this step for the other foot.

Step Five

After your feet are dry, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. As I mentioned before, I suffer from having cracked heels-thanks Dad-and this Neosporin Eczema Essential Daily Moisturizing Cream (Target) is magic. After using it for two nights, I saw a dramatic difference in the look of my feet.

Used for eczema, I love repurposing it for my feet. This is hands down another secret weapon for fall pampered feet.

See, that wasn’t so hard, now was it? And since your feet aren’t huge, these products would last you for several pedicures to have fall pampered feet all season.

If all goes well as it does for me, hopefully, your feet will look as good as these.

Do you have any fall pedicure tips? Leave a comment below.

Your mind will be blown by the personal style of these stylish seniors found inside the pages of Ari Seth Cohen’s book ‘Advanced Style: Older & Wiser’, published by powerHouse Books. This made me think of Yves Saint Laurent’s famous quote, “Fashions fade, style is eternal,” and nothing rings truer when it comes to these chic five seniors.

But what makes them real “standouts” is their age. They might be seniors to most, but they are all 60+ young, believe it or not. Each subject is carefully photographed by blogger and street style photographer, Ari Seth Cohen. You can’t help but get inspired, as their unique and personal style jumps off the pages, regardless of your age.

(photo: Ari Seth Cohen, powerHouse Books, featuring Valerie Sobel, President, Andre Sobel River of Life Foundation)

The Blog That Started It All

First incarnated as a street style blog of the same name eight years ago, after the passing of Ari’s grandmother and best friend Bluma, through this digital record of the style and stories of some of the city’s most inspiring older people, he was able to pay tribute to her with the profound loss of living without her inimitable guidance.

“a global movement re-imagining the picture of aging”

Never in Ari’s wildest dreams did he think this would turn into anything other than what it was. But this kind of inspiration would “blossom into a global movement re-imagining the picture of aging.” The idea that one can look forward to their later years in such a way is short of inspiring. These stylish few have sealed it as one of the most productive and liberating chapters in their lives. In doing so, it changes the conversation of aging, especially in fashion.

Changed Tone For Seniors

Fashion has always been hugely polarizing, with beauty not far behind. Constantly pushing the “stay young” agenda, things have clearly changed. In fact, more fashionable seniors are being put “front and center” instead of hiding them at every turn, as they used to. And I can’t deny and strongly believe Ari played a hand in it all.

What this book’s success proves along with more older models being cast for runway shows and print, is that aging will continue to be celebrated.

“Advance Stylers” have carved a new path.

Since the publication of this first book and the release of the ‘Advanced Style’ documentary, it’s been quite an adventure for Ari. Taking him from Sydney to Tokyo, Rome to Buenos Aires, to meet such incredibly stylish and inspirational men and women, the rest is, as they say, history.

(photo: Maye Musk, 70 young Covergirl, IMG Models)

These five subjects I’m about to highlight, are just a glimpse of the vast creativity that amounts to “Advanced Style: Older and Wiser”.

Color Inspiration

Derrill Osborn of Dallas really loves pink and it shows. The way he does it tells a story as any great outfit should.

His flirtation with pink begins with a side pink pocket square peeking out from his cream-colored vest. This draws your eye to the striped long ascot he has interwoven in and out of his shirt and vest, held in place like a captured swirl of smoke with the spaces created by the buttons.

Suddenly, the color really takes hold everywhere else. And just like that, pink pants, a pink shirt, and pink gloves force a smile out of you with this outfit’s overwhelming calming effect. Let’s not ignore that color kissing up to his neck with a flower to match on his lapel. And nothing best completes his look with an oversized large brim hat, round eyeglasses, a cane, and a watch bracelet minus the watch. Maybe it’s a bangle missing its large oval stone? Hmmm…

(photo: Derrill Osborn, Dallas)

Patterns and Color Make All The Difference

Ignacio Quiles of Providence, RI is our first “Advanced Styler”. I love his white suit, complete with a vest and white pants, offset by a brightly colored plaid blazer. And who could ignore the way his pink shirt picks up the reds throughout his outfit? Moreover, it’s the various hints of patterns that give this outfit movement.

But, it’s the details that make all the difference here. His silver pocket watch, black eyeglasses, and cream hat with a black ribbon tie everything together perfectly. Consequently, some might say it looks like he’s wearing a costume, for me, his outfit is both timeless and contemporary.

(photo: Ignacio Quiles, Providence, RI)

Accessorize From Head to Toe

Barbara Chapman of Solana Beach, CA is a lot more exotic. Her outfit shows me that she’s traveled the world. If not, she sure hides it well with her great sense of color, pattern play, and texture. Barbara’s outfit is a statement with an exclamation. Her jewelry is big, bold, and utterly unique. I would kill to own every piece except for her earrings as my earlobes are tiny.

(photo: Barbara Chapman, Solana Beach, CA)

…those whose artful and creative dressing is a reflection of their indomitable spirits and the refusal to become invisible.

Small Details Make All The Difference

Sarah James Adams of Sydney, Australia, is a total badass. I love how she mixes her red and white baseball jacket, over a black tee paired with a black and white checkered skirt. Her jewelry choices really make her outfit that much stronger.

Her gold Rolex-like watch, gold name tag pendant necklace, and red and white scarf bandana, adorning her slightly waved short haircut, just gives her that rockabilly chick vibe. And let’s not forget the henna on her hands. Dope AF if you ask me.

(photo: Sarah Jane Adams, Sydney, Australia)

Angelo Gallamini Rimini of Italy is my favorite. Not only is his beard impressive on his expressive face, he beautifully mixes turquoise with other blues and reds. The red blanket style poncho over his blue denim shirt is a nice touch. Let’s not dismiss the rolled-up cuffs peeking from underneath, showing off his bracelets and his turquoise rings. I mean, come on, who doesn’t love a man who wears statement jewelry like that? The cuffed jeans reveal striped socks with the same colorway that perfectly match his shoes. This makes this outfit a hit from head to toe.

(photo: Angelo Gallamini Rimini, Italy)

Advanced Style Makes Dreams Come True

The publication of this first book and the release of the ‘Advanced Style’ documentary, has been quite an adventure for Ari. From Sydney to Tokyo, Rome to Buenos Aires to meet incredibly stylish and inspirational people whose creativity stumps most, forty to twenty years their junior. The pictures are proof, don’t you think?

(photo: Valerie Sobel, President, Andre Sobel River of Life Foundation with Author & Photographer, Ari Seth Cohen)

Just remember, as you leaf through the pages of ‘Advanced Style’, to lose yourself in the fantasy becoming real. Many of the subjects photographed in this book make you believe in fantasy. Gaze upon “those whose artful and creative dressing is a reflection of their indomitable spirits and the refusal to become invisible,” Ari said. Get inspired, stand out, and live life out loud!

‘Advanced Style: Older & Wiser’, by Ari Seth Cohen, published by Powerhouse Books, is available for purchase at powerhousebooks.com.

(film still: “Asphalt, Muscle & Bone”, *The Museum of Emotions-Performance Gallery #2, Bill Hayward)

*Click here to see film excerpt

Bill Hayward‘s award-winning film “Asphalt, Muscle & Bone” does more than wrestle with powerful visuals. It also wrestles with the complexity of emotions through different themes. An official selection in this year’s North Europe International Film Festival: London Edition 2019, February 16-23, this film is sure to be a tough one to beat.

My First Encounter with Bill Hayward

I first came to know and admire this photographer, choreographer, and filmmaker’s work when I reviewed his Chasing Dragons: An Uncommon Memoir in Photographs by Bill Hayward, © 2015, published by Glitterati Incorporated three years ago. Back then, I was able to see movement in his images accomplished through the open collaboration he had with his subjects and they with him.

(film still: “Asphalt, Muscle & Bone”, *The Museum of Emotions-Performance Gallery, Bill Hayward)

*Click here to see film excerpt

My First Peek

Just days back from The Amsterdam International Filmmaker Festival 2018/Amsterdam IFF 2018 (wherein he was nominated for Best Cinematography in a Feature Film, Best Visual Effects or Design, and Best Hair, Makeup and Body Design) and his win for the latter. Hayward explained to me that when people screen his film, he prefers they do it alone so they won’t feel self-conscious or distracted by the presence of others. This disallows their emotion to wrestle with the emotion of others.

A disruptive reclaiming the primacy of the body and blood of the feminine, the creative process. -Bill Hayward

Hayward describes his film as ‘a disruptive reclaiming the primacy of the body and blood of the feminine, the creative process.” It is a response to the wrestling of  “gross imbalance of testosterone” in the world for the past three-to-four-thousand years. For this reason, the film pays homage to women, as we all come from mud and women’s blood.

I settled into my seat and waited for the film to begin. The moment it started, I found myself drawn into a fantasy world made evident by the names of mythical places the actors inhabited. Such places included Fat River Hotel and my favorite, the Museum of Emotions.

Character Description

The different characters I saw on the screen were several dancers Hayward’s used as models in the past. But unlike most films, these characters communicate mostly in gestures, as they wrestle with emotion, so you will find very little dialogue.

The characters all seemed to be staying at the Fat River Hotel, and mostly alone in their room. But are they dead or alive, as I often questioned their mortality?

(film still: “Asphalt, Muscle & Bone”, The Fat River Hotel: Room #531)

Theme and Emotion Wrestle with Each Other

One male character just spent his time talking to a portrait of his father, repeatedly questioning his mortality. Ironically, mortality is a theme that is often juxtaposed with love, which brings me to the next theme.

The ‘impossibility of love’ is one theme that is constant throughout the film. The characters either questioned love’s existence as love for one’s self, love for someone else and love from someone else. But the way they do it is both sad and sometimes terrifying to watch. One such moment included a male character that kept repeating to himself ‘I have love.’

Wrestling with The Impossibility of Love

There was a male and female couple that seemed intoxicated with one another but always on the verge of splitting up. Throughout the film, I saw them trying to get close, but something always pulled them apart. I sensed there was a deep connection once, but hurt along with them as I saw them struggling with the truth ‘it’s over’. I think what was hardest for them was the physical detachment versus the emotional, which goes against reason. Then again, whoever said love was rational?

(film still: “Asphalt, Muscle & Bone”, *The Fat River Hotel: Hallway 1)

*Click here to see film excerpt.

Female characters, which outnumbered the male characters in the cast, were all quite unique. One character that really stood out was this stylish woman. Although wearing a crisp white button-down shirt, you would think she has it together. She looks like fun adorned with plenty of necklaces embellished with crystals and pearls. But just as fast, she began to unravel before my eyes. At first, she seemed to be at odds with something. Then looks as if she’s questioning her reason for being as she wrestles with her truth. And just like that, I then saw her fighting with herself. Wrestling with her clothes and jewels as if they were suffocating her.  With calculated precision, she proceeded to try to tear it all off.

It’s as if Hayward was trying to convey how some women are not satisfied. Although they’ve found their place in their world, they feel imprisoned by their current role.

Final Thoughts

‘Asphalt, Muscle & Bone’ is a work of art that one needs to experience personally. This is a definite ‘must watch’ film. It will grant you further passage into the heart and mind of Bill Hayward.

Even though Valentine’s Day was yesterday, you can still evoke the romance behind love with perfume. Smells have the power to spark memories long forgotten by time and circumstance. It just takes one fragrance note to take you there, the same way two notes of a song are enough to tell you what it is. Ever hear the theme song to “Jaws” the movie? You now that infamous, “Ta dun”?  Think about it.

I never face the day without perfume. -Elizabeth Taylor

Perfume is the easiest accessory that matches with a lot, depending on its intensity and lingering note. It also makes you feel a little sexier, no matter what you’re wearing. You could look like you literally rolled out of bed, with chips from the night before still in your hair. But with a spray or dab of your favorite perfume, you suddenly start kissing yourself in the mirror.

Perfume Sparks Romance

Which brings me to the point of how perfume, always manages to add a hint of romance to your every day. It doesn’t just happen on Valentine’s Day. It might feel that way since we’re preconditioned to think that on that day our love vibrations are heightened by the many paper hearts we see. But the answer is a big, “Hell no!” Call it a bad case of groupthink. But maybe I’m wrong.

A woman’s perfume tells more about her than her handwriting. -Christian Dior

Personally speaking, once I get a whiff of my perfume on my wrists, I feel a bit more special. But just as easily, I’m quickly transported, if just for a few seconds, to a moment when I was wearing that same perfume. It might be a good memory just as much as a bittersweet one. And if the latter intrudes my thoughts, it doesn’t matter as the scent still makes me feel great.

Why Only Unisex Scents?

If you’re reading this and you’re a cis-gender woman, why not select women’s perfume with me being one as well? Believe it or not, I wear mostly men’s fragrances more than women’s. I’m not really into anything that’s too floral or sweet. I actually gravitate mostly to tobacco, woody and leather notes. However, I also love very clean almost citrusy smells. Sadly, most of the feminine fragrances out there, tend to be too ‘girly’ for me and common. I’d rather stand out with unisex or masculine scents.

Perfume is a message. -Paloma Picasso

So before you turn these away, after reading each description, try to envision the smell in your mind. Close your eyes and picture what those individual smells smell like and how they all complement each other.

The Smell Structure

If you didn’t already know, the scent structure is made up of three parts. It has a top note, heart note, and base note. And what are those exactly? Basically, the top note is the FIRST scent you get, the heart note is SECOND and the BASE note is the one that lingers.

Now that you know the breakdown, let’s dive into my favorites.

My Top Unisex Picks

I don’t know why but most of my selections have wood in them. I love the smell. What can I say? And as a sucker for packaging, the design of the bottle was also considered.

Santo Incensio, by The Different Company, became a favorite because of its Palo Santo ingredient. If you don’t know what that is, Palo Santo usually comes in the form of fragrant wooden sticks used to burn like sage. According to Wikipedia, Palo Santo comes from a “wild tree native to Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula to Peru and Venezuela that inhabits the South American Gran Chaco region. It is also found in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and on the Galápagos Islands.”

Santo Incensio has citrusy Bergamot as a top note, Palo Santo as a heart note, and Incense as a base note

Gentle Fluidity, by Maison Francis Kurkdijian, has wood of course, along with Amber and Vanilla. But it also has musks punctuated by coriander seeds.

Violet Ida, by Miller Harris, was “inspired by the World of Brighton Rock, a place of contrasts, color, and nostalgia,” according to Miller Harris. It lovingly flirts with Bergamot as its top note, Orris Beurre as its heart note, and Amber as its base note.

Seductive but not a seductress, a woman wears her scent to reveal her personality. -Paco Rabanne

Wait! There’s More

Marfa by Memo Paris is everything. Besides the cool bottle, it counts Orange Blossom as a top note, Tuberose as a heart note, and Vanilla as a base note. Imagine that bottle as part of your collection with the dope illustration? Got my vote!

Willow & Amber, by Jo Malone London, part of its “Wild Flowers & Weeds” limited edition collection, is sure to become one of your favorites too. It has Pink Pepper as a top note, Willow as a heart note, and Amber as a base note.

Oud Divin, by Robert Piguet, was a winner in my book without even trying. Already a fan of the iconic fragrance house’s 1948 darling called Fracas, this one is right up there. Part of its Modern Collection, Oud Divin has Saffron as a top note, smoky Guiac wood as a heart note, and Vetiver as a base note.

I hope this helps you discover new perfumes for yourself or a loved one. Remember, falling in love every day is always possible with the right perfume.

Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed my post. If not, how can it be improved?

Who doesn’t love a cup of caffeine in the morning to wake up? I know I do, even though I should seriously cut back. But, I digress. Mind you, as much as caffeine helps to jump-start our brains, it dries up our skin when we drink it. However, it does the complete opposite when directly applied to our skin.

Your Skin Will Thank You

Warning: Reading further might prompt you to start rubbing coffee grounds all over yourself.

Antioxidants protect your body from inflammation by fighting free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can harm cellular structures.

According to the American Chemical Society, caffeine’s use for its anti-oxidant properties is on the rise in the U.S. Even Bulletproof founder Dave Aspery said, “Antioxidants protect your body from inflammation by fighting free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can harm cellular structures.” Caffeine is extremely rich in antioxidants, such as hydrocinnamic acids and polyphenols. Asprey says they are ‘especially efficient at neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative stress.’

In plain English, free radicals are toxic byproducts of oxygen metabolism. Meanwhile, these free radicals are a total ‘buzzkill’ to living cells and tissues.

Other Caffeine Bennies For Your Skin

But the benefits of caffeine don’t stop there. Caffeine helps reduce inflammation and it’s super generous with boosting circulation. It basically constricts your blood vessels, putting under eye circles in a sleeper hold. It also helps with cellulite, premature aging, exfoliates dead skin, tightens pores, and brightens your skin.

Here are some of my favorite caffeine-infused beauty products you should invest in to wake up your skin!

Coffee Loves Your Body

1: Original Body Scrub by Frank Body is loaded with yummy goodness for your body – the coffee stimulates blood flow & promotes collagen production, hiding your cellulite. Almond oil hydrates your skin even after you wash it off. Vitamin E then helps with healing scars and Sea Salt exfoliates.

2: Shimmer Scrub by Frank Body is just as good with a hint of sparkle to add some magic to your day – coffee and sea salt slough away your winter skin’s blues. For extra moisture, Grapeseed Oil and Vitamin E are added. And to keep you glowing all day long, you can thank the Glow Dust in it.

3: CARDAMOM+COFFEE BODY SCRUB by Fig + Yarrow firms, exfoliates and anti-oxidizes your skin. Coffee tightens and minimizes cellulite deposits. Cane sugar exfoliates. Cocoa, coconut, and shea butter moisturize, castor oil repairs, while cardamom uplifts with its aroma. And if that weren’t enough, Vitamin C and manganese boost radiance.

Coffee On Your Face

4: Hello FAB Caffeine Matcha Wake Up Wipes by First Aid Beauty cleans away the grime while waking up your face with caffeine matcha.

5: Revitalizing Supreme + Global Anti-Agin Wake Up Balm by Estée Lauder brightens, promotes instant radiance, and helps with anti-aging – with plant stem cell extract and their exclusive RevitaKey™ Technology—with radiance-boosting optics, your skin will get that instant boost while improving skin’s firmness, density, elasticity, AND dramatically reduce the look of lines and wrinkles.

6: Kenyan Coffee Face Polish by Nyakio was a true gift inside my BIRCHBOX monthly box – not only did it exfoliate my skin, but it also hydrated my thirsty face.

Your Eyes Want Some Coffee Too!

7: GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff by Origins does just that. Your eyes never felt so spoiled with caffeine Panax Ginseng, Magnolia Extract, and natural optic brighteners to make them look better.

8: Perk It Under-Eye Treatment Brightener by Julep brightens and more – the caffeine depuffs and wakes up your tired eyes. Turmeric Root Extract calms and soothes, while Rosehip Seed Oil reduces the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation.

Coffee Kisses Your Hands and Feet

9: Caffeine Hit Coffee Scrub by NAILS INC is great for winter hands and feet – the caffeine scrubs dryness away while stimulating blood flow.

Now go slather on some of these products, while sipping some coffee! Let me know how it works out for you below.

Today’s OOTD (Outfit Of The Day) centers around this amazing Fall dress called the Tempest dress by Zimmerman.

Part of Zimmerman’s AW/18 collection, an oppressed Victorian-era person with modern sensibilities served as its inspiration. This Zimmerman person found refuge and independence in riding horses.

However, it should really be called the ‘Temptress’ dress. And why you ask when so covered up? Pull up your chair and let me tell you.

The Genius Behind This Breathtaking Fall Dress

This Fall dress is a sure win for several reasons. The beautiful color palette and floral pattern are very reminiscent of Victorian fashion. While the muted earth tones perfectly complement any fashion addict’s Fall wardrobe for day or night.

You have contrasting pastel juniper colored florals on blush pink from the shoulder down to the wrist. Meanwhile, antique rose blooms, flirt across a burgundy bodice. They then creep their way down the right hip into a brown playing field. A lightly tanned draped hem accentuated by a tied side bow gives the florals more to play with. Additionally, burgundy flowers placed across bands of off-white lines, make for subtle yet noticeable pattern play.

But it’s the shape of the dress is what really takes my breath away.

With its high tied collar, you couldn’t help but see the Victorian Zimmerman person come through. As your eyes begin tracing the neck down to its puff shoulders, restrained by a draping effect, they stop at the ruched wrists of the long sleeves. The form-fitting bodice highlights the wearer’s waist by a cutout strategically placed on the right side.  Now that’s a sneaky way to show some skin, don’t you think?

As you follow that cutout, you’re met with the bottom half of the dress, which is a slim skirt, cut on the bias. And to add movement to this form-fitting dress, an angled flowing hem, in a contrasting color is added. Color blocking ingeniously highlights the shape of this dress, with all the draping, gathering and slight ruching.

Well, How Do I Wear This Dress?

Considering the traditional autumnal colors of this Fall dress, one could easily pair it with basic neutral colored footwear, but I decided to go in a different direction.

Taking a cue from the ‘green’ color on the sleeves and shoulders, I decided to pair this Tempest Fall dress with leather ankle boots in ‘Jade’ green by Acne Studios.

With a back zip, round toe, and slightly slanted block heel, no boot would be more perfect to wear with this dress. I just love how it picks up the green on top. The slant of the heel mimics the cutout along the right side of the waistline. And the round toe of this designer boot really elevates the dressy appeal of the whole look. If the toe had been a little rounder, as it has a slight almond peak, it would’ve given the boot a more casual feel.

What If It Gets Chilly?

Why not consider a chocolate brown faux fur coat, like this Almeda coat by Erdem? It’s a great pairing of texture with silhouette and pattern.

Just picture yourself with a hint of the dress’ hem moving along the bottom of this luxe coat. While the green designer boots add that element of surprise. Gorgeous right?! Even if you were to button the coat, showing off the coat’s shiny large round gold buttons, you’d have the beautiful bow from your neck, saying ‘hello’ from on top. Double-breasted with a sweeping notch lapel collar, this fur coat doesn’t hold back in enveloping the wearer in soft luxury, faux or not.

Gold Accessories For H2T Seduction

Delving into luxury, as we all love to do for Fall, I wanted to further exploit the faux fur coat’s shiny gold buttons. Take these earrings as a, for instance, perfect for both day or night. Clip-on style ‘Classic Short’ Tassel Chain Drop Earrings by Oscar de la Renta, would add the right amount of sparkle without too much fuss.

Featuring tiny chain details, with a 3 1/2″ drop and 3/4″ width, they’re long and big enough to make a Fall statement. They would force your many admirers to pull them in closer to you, as they frame your face with just enough sparkle. This would also draw even more attention to the puff shoulder details, while their eyes subtly, make a beeline to them.

                       As for what bag to carry, how amazing is this little *Beaded Crossbody Bag With Clasp by Zara (*no longer available)? With it’s textured surface, in a similar color palette as this dress, there’s no missing the mark here.

              Gold details mixed with a geometric pattern of multicolored beads, make this an ideal accessory for this Fall look. It’s just crazy how it has most of the dress colors but not in a ‘matchy’ sort of way.

So have at it, and tell me what you think?

[Updated: October 6, 2019]

A while ago, if you had a flaw, people would often criticize you for being and looking different. Boy, have times changed!

Nowadays, if you don’t have something that’s incredibly unique about you,  you’re sure to get lost in the crowd. And by unique or by a ‘flaw’ I mean, something that’s unconventionally attractive. Ideas of beauty have shifted to be more inclusive. And we can thank social media, believe it or not, and more people wanting to be heard for this.

Unique Beauties

(photo: Getty Images & Gabriel Perez Silva)

Model and activist, Ashley Graham broke all boundaries by not letting her plus-size define her but empower her. Model Winnie Harlow celebrates and flaunts her Vitiligo as one of the most sought-after models.

These women are both beautiful and I love their ‘flaw’!

(photos: Biel Parklee and Getty Images)

Model Ralph Souffrant flaunts his beautifully freckled self all over magazines and runways. Meanwhile, model Shaun Ross exudes confidence by putting albinism front and center, as something to be admired and desired.

These guys are both beautiful and I love their ‘flaw’!

And It’s Not Excluded By Gender

(photos: Twitter and Instagram)

Leyna Bloom is the first trans model to grace the pages of Vogue India. And trans actress Laverne Cox, known for her work in Netflix’s “Orange Is The New Black”, has helped bring trans women further into the gaze of mainstream media.

These trans women are beautiful and I love their ‘flaw’!

If you have a flaw baby, you’re beautiful!

‘Go With The Flaw’

But nothing explains this better than Berlin Fashion Film Festival winner, fashion film ‘Go With The Flaw’.

(film still: ‘Go With The Flaw)

Directed by François Rousselet for Diesel, the movie is set to Edith Piaf’s famous track, ‘Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien’ (translation: No, I Regret Nothing), which is apropos at best. If you have a flaw, you should damn well not have any regrets!

Above, we see a still from the film where a person obnoxiously and proudly, shows off their braces. Now that’s a flaw I know all too well, having had braces for most of my childhood – good times!

Whereas, below, we see another person with another kind of flaw, a unibrow. Frida Kahlo would be proud.

(film still: ‘Go With The Flaw)

I just hope that we continue pushing that envelope and accept and love everyone. Every inch of a person, whether a flaw or not, should be applauded, exalted and admired. But I say, we reclaim that word and flip the script. Turn flaw from a negative into a positive, for if you have a flaw baby, you’re beautiful!

And Now, The Film

Here’s a quick description of the film:

The film tells the story of a half blind editor who’s having a go at making his first film. Cinematic perfection, masterful editing skills that tell a clear story – he’ll have none of that. And he will regrette rien, proving that there are beauty and success off the beaten path that everyone’s taking, expecting to do things “right”.

This treasure of a film won for the following awards at this year’s Berlin Fashion Film Festival:

Cinematography – Gold Music – Gold Production Design – Gold Direction – Silver Casting – Silver Best Film – Clothing, Footwear and Accessories Best Film from Europe

Hope you enjoyed that.

If you have a ‘flaw’, I’d love to hear about it below.

To imagine not having animal print as part of your Fall style just won’t do! Especially when it comes to leopard. Now, most people might agree that animal print is asking a lot of them. To wear this type of print will make you stand out in a crowd. And that in and of itself means stepping out of your comfort zone in a huge way. But you don’t have to go head-to-toe animal print crazy. You can do it in small doses and with leopard, it’s not hard.

Why Leopard Print?

Leopard print has always been synonymous with all that is sexy and powerful.

(photo: AZZEDINE ALAÏA, Leopard Collection, FallWinter 1991)

The late Azzedine Alaïa was a designer that knew the curves of a woman. I swear, he created women himself. And HE celebrated leopard like no other as seen in his collection above.

But when I think of leopard, I think ‘Bond Girl’, the way iconic model Veruschka von Lehndorff looks here

(photo: Franco Rubartelli)

in a sick vintage look, wearing a cutout leopard swimsuit.

Leopard print also sparked my memory with images of Eartha Kitt. And how could it not?

                    (photo: Michael Ochs Archive and Rex Features)

Eartha was the only ‘Cat Woman’ that played that role best, commanding your attention with her unique voice and purr. Leopard print has even made an appearance with Kate Moss on more than one occasion, throughout her career.

You see, wearing leopard, shows defiance, power and commands attention, when done right. And as I’ll say it again, it can be done in small doses. However, in large amounts, it’s always great for dramatic effect.

So How Can You Wear Leopard?

Seeing as how leopard might be foreign to some of you, I’m here to help. I’ve put together three looks that will help you see how easy it is to wear this print.

Animal Print, Leopard Look One

I live to clash and love wearing contrasting patterns if you haven’t already noticed. The contrast in the patterns as well as in textures is what I love here.

The pink midi dress with allover eye print, known as the Eyeconic Sun Dress, by Romance Was Born, just had me at the eyes. But the different colors set against that pretty pink hue just called to me. Besides, pink and brown are a timeless color pairing that complements each other very well. Which brings me to the leopard in this scenario.

Balenciaga’s Knife Booties in leopard are the perfect boots for this dress. Part of the AW18 Balenciaga designer collection, these leopard printed booties in brown, black and beige, are simply divine. Its slip-on style, in a mid-calf length, shows just enough skin. Add a pointed toe, and high stiletto heel and you’re all set.  I then chose to offset the brown a bit, by way of this Ryan Roche Bisque Furry Cardigan. This fringe cardigan will make the dress appear to be more delicate thanks to its fuzzy appearance. Hand crocheted with an extra loose base weave, of 100% cashmere, makes it perfect for those chilly nights indoors.

Now, Accessorize Me

As for accessories, I thought that these green Enameled Teardrop Earrings would pick up the green from the dress. Besides, green paired with leopard are a classic color combination. And no look would be complete without a purse, so why not keep pushing the texture envelope? Which brought me to this Clare V. Flore Clutch, in navy faux fur with a gold removable chain strap and gold push-lock closure.

Animal Print, Leopard, Look Two

Here, you have a more muted version of the leopard print with this Leopard Shift Mini Dress. With a hidden back zipper, it manages to show off the leopard print without any distraction. But with this look, I saw the leopard as a neutral to mix with what else, the color red. How’s that for spicing things up?

Wearing this bright red Nanushka Hide Faux Leather Puffer Jacket, in bright red super soft vegan leather, you’ll not only keep warm but look extra cool doing so. The bulbous silhouette of the puffer jacket mixed with the tight leopard dress is a surefire hit. But to intensify things, even more, I’ve paired these items with Saint Laurent Niki 105 Leather Boots in “hot” red. Bearing a coveted conical heel, these slouchy up to the knee soft leather boots will surely get you in trouble. Plus, don’t get me started on its pointy toe.

Now, Where Do I Keep My Lipstick?

But like most shift dresses, your waist needs to be accentuated just a pinch. Enter a belted bag to do the trick. Of course, with the futuristic look of the puffer jacket, I wanted something similar in feel like this Bao Bao Issey Miyake Waist bag (shown on dress and bottom). Featuring its signature geometric pattern, it has an adjustable shoulder strap with a buckle fastening for easy wear. Add silver-tone hardware, a top zip, several internal compartments, and you’re all set. This is the perfect bag for when you need your hands free when playing after dark.

As for style icon, Iris Apfel can attest, “More is more, less is a bore,”, I finished things off with these oversized mismatched shiny gold Texture Earrings. Measuring approximately two inches long, their wrinkled texture adds interest to the ears. A back clip closure, guarantees they’re big.

Animal Print, Leopard Look Three

I channeled my inner rocker chick, by way of some Janice Joplin and David Bowie when styling this look.

The leopard in this ensemble is bold, daring and way flashy with the help of Manley’s Luna Bomber Gold jacket. With a metallic gold and sky-blue leopard print body and gold shoulder panels, you can’t go wrong. The addition of elasticated cuffs and back hem give it a sporty appeal. Add this lime Ottoman Cropped Jumper, slightly front tucked into these Ann Demeulemeester cropped Striped Cotton-Blend Trousers, and this jacket gets cast as a supporting actor. Teal blue and black vertical stripes, make these pants a winning teammate. Featuring a front button fastening, belt loops, side, and rear pockets, they offset the jacket’s brightness quite nicely.

To be a total badass ‘rocker chick’ I obviously need boots and what better pair than these Nina Ricci 90MM Leather Cowboy Boots?! With their pointed toe, and seam and stitching details, these boots are too hot for riding a horse!

Any Finishing Touches?

Obviously, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight without giving you a little something special, so I opted for these Marni Crystal-Embellished Clip-On Earrings. A large gold disk surrounds a bright pink plastic circle. It’s then attached to a crystal-embellished stud fastening, sure to spark conversation.

But wait, there’s more.

I managed to have more pink trickle into this look by adding this dramatic Bebop Loop Handle Clutch by Valentino Garavani. In bright pink calfskin leather, you’ll make a statement alright. Flashing a fan of ostrich feathers of the same color, you won’t be missed. And if you forget to wear a bracelet, no worries. This little treasure’s golden loop handle tipped with signature pyramid studs will come to your rescue.

So there you have it! Three looks that are easily achievable by anyone. Still on the fence? You can always opt for a simple leopard belt or leopard slip loafers, which are both classic and timeless.

Would you wear any of these looks? Comment below.

When you think of Spring/Summer clothes, many could easily name the same adjectives to describe them. Fun, relaxed and effortless would be my top three and how I would describe the Area’s SS/19 collection. And it’s no wonder when VOGUE RUNWAY cited Libuše Niklová as this collection’s muse.

‘Who is Libuše Niklová?’, you ask? (I know, I was in the dark too but always love to learn something new.) She was the Czech genius artist and inventor that created the first inflatable toys for children in the Sixties. ‘Playing’ was critical to this collection and for Area designers, Piotrek Panszczyk and Beckett Fogg, making her the perfect muse.

‘Playing’ Was Key For Area’s Summer

So how do you reinterpret inflatable creatures and strangely proportioned toys into a collection? Simply, by focusing on the fun and playful aspect of it all into everything that makes an outfit. Area’s designers told VOGUE RUNWAY, “We started thinking: What is important for us in fashion? I think as designers, in design in general, our core value is play. Playing is something so intellectual but also so pure,” which was very obvious from their designs. Thankfully, as much as fashion is all about having fun, Area took it literally without being kitschy or obvious.

As seen in the designs throughout, Area’s designers manifested fun in several ways. There were fabrics in unexpected tones similar to the orange long trench with a shiny pearlescent pink sheen (right)  while the inflatable toys were reimagined by way of a pink bag (left) and other accessories.

A clear plastic mini apron, complete with crystal embellishments (left) amped up this tailored white shirt’s playfulness. Similarly, sparkly strappy sandals in a geo-pattern complemented the look. Then came the fun of playing with proportions as seen in the oversized colorful turban that finished that look.

Fun With Proportions

Area continued playing with fun in mixing silhouettes with texture. Kelly green, one of my favorite greens, made this pleated look (right) really stand out. A strapless top in a pleated fabric captivated with its drape across the chest from the left. Accentuated by a ruffled hem on both sides, it commanded attention.  With its long length, it glided down to the floor, giving the effect of a long train. Add shorts in the same fabric to the look and you can easily wear this for evening or day.

Another fun green look that played with proportion was the one below (right), thanks to the brilliantly structured big hat. Area’s iteration of a newsboy cap with a Sixties influence, mixed together with a brimmed turban effect, is a hat that would be hard for one to want to take off. A fun cropped sleeveless top with a neatly tied oversized bow at the center gave the outfit sweet innocence. To complete the look, embellished kelly green cigarette pants with crystals down the sides in a diamond line pattern were added.

The sparkle of the crystals made their way to a similarly patterned choker necklace, further accentuating the beauty of the green big hat. And no look is complete without the right bag, which in this case was a turquoise handheld mini trunk purse and matte Cookie Monster blue long nails.

Can’t Play Without Some Shine

Lurex came flirted with play in some of the looks. Below, you can see silver in a geometric pattern on biker shorts and its matching three-quarter sleeveless jacket. What I love about this look is how easily it can be a standalone look with a vacancy for addition.

The matching biker shorts could be paired with a long-sleeved or tee shirt, a tank top, or a sports bra, worn underneath the jacket. Whereas a sheer slip dress or sheer tunic over the biker shorts, in a contrasting color, with the jacket worn over it, to give the look more depth. But the key here is to have fun!

But it was all about shine with the first look. A simple toffee colored pant set, comprised of a criss-cross cropped fitted top with slightly cropped trousers, set the stage for some sparkle. A fun large diamond pattern sleeveless tunic worn over the top and pants added drama hemmed with long crystal strings down to the ankles. Throw in a silver handheld purse to the ensemble, made sure to say this neutral color came to play!

Chic And Fun Continued Playing With Ease

Now, who can say they can have fun if there’s too much effort involved? I surely can’t, which is why I have plenty of dresses in my closet. And this was key for Area, as noted in two of the looks below.

One look had simple white long trousers that were slim on top with a stovepipe leg. But here’s where it got interesting – the top! ‘Barazoku magazine, the first commercial Japanese gay magazine, is where the designers found inspo,’ said VOGUE RUNWAY. But for what exactly – the top’s print.

The designers recruited an artist to repaint a cover from the magazine for a print. In bright colors, the all-over print on white decorated a three-quarter length sleeveless shirt. The shirt, that crisscrossed along the front, had long panels that would mimic the movement of the pants when walking.

Long trousers in the pink geometric pattern with silver lurex played up the fun factor, yet again. Paired with a cropped hot pink long-sleeved top decorated with crystals, prompted the fun. The embellishments made their way down the sleeves, from the top of the shoulders down to the wrist. But this Area woman was busy indeed, as noted by the pushed up sleeves. A bubble gum pink rounded mini trunk purse with a hot pink handle and hot pink lattice detail made this practical look scream ‘fun, fun, fun!’

(via VOGUE RUNWAY)

(photo: Guy Bourdain)

There’s no denying I love designer shoes, especially when it comes to this Fall season. And WHY do you ask? Simply, variety, variety, variety, and boy, is there plenty for everyone!

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, there will always be predictable contenders to be coveted by all. It’s Fall after all, so there’s no denying the presence of boots. Sure, open toes are reserved for the ‘my feet look too pretty to cover up’ category, but with consistent care and caresses during months full of scaly and itchy skin, those beautiful feet could still use some warmth when covered up in such decadence like these shoes here.

Now, as much as I love to challenge the cold with open toe shoes, for this post, I’m going to focus on styles that keep the chills away like these white beauties by Prabal Gurung.

(photo: GETTY IMAGES)

At a glance, you might think they’re just another pointy toe ankle boot, but it’s all about the form and detailing. Let’s pick it apart, shall we?

Upon close observation, the pointed toe gives it that ‘YES, I’M HERE’ effect worthy of stiletto high heel shoes, but as your eyes trace the top of the foot right before you make your way up to the ankle, you notice that deep stop, into a boxy shape. The boxy shape then takes on the look of spats minus the buttons, completing the boot effect. And just when you think the ride is over, there’s that heel. Boy that heel, that gives me all the right feels. It’s a sculptured heel, but it’s SCULPTURE! The heel commands attention as it rests on top of a sphere. Then that sphere connects to a thin yet sturdy cylindrical shape, cut on a bias, held together by a goldenrod. Bravo, I say, Bravo!

Look One – Designer Prabal Gurung Boot, Fall 2018

What’s best of all about this designer boot for Fall is that it can easily be dressed up or down. So I thought, “What would be a good look to go with this boot?” Of course, pants would show off these boots a lot faster, but I always love the element of surprise, which is why I opted for a dress, specifically this one.

The dress though, for this coveted ankle boot, had to be special, which made me select this number by Monse (Farfetch). Taking a page out of The Saville Row Fall trend, houndstooth is what rules here. This Off Shoulder dress with its houndstooth pattern is sure to catch someone’s eye. What makes it even more of a hit for me, is its ruched three-quarter sleeves, folded-over strapless detail, and its bias-cut skirt, with varied length skirt panels. One cross of the legs, would accentuate the dramatic flair of the skirt, as a way to announce ‘HERE’S MY BOOT, WHERE’S YOURS?‘.

But What More Can I Add To My Look?

But I wanted to keep highlighting the boot’s details, particularly the sphere that made up the other part of the heel. Enter Proenza Schouler’s Grateful Dead Turtleneck, in white, covered entirely in large black circles bearing a red bolt right down the middle. I felt a chill thinking about my shoulders exposed and loved the idea of that pattern peeking from under the dress’s houndstooth ruched sleeve. Throw on a white, red and black Plaid coat with silver detailing and jeweled buttons and I’m out the door!

So seeing as my dress pick has no pockets, where was I going to put my phone and things? I wasn’t about to be tacky and carry my phone and other in my hands, so what’s a chick to do? Prada and Zara of course!

Accessories Drum Roll

By pairing Prada’s Mini Cahier Leather Shoulder Bag in red and black with gold metal detailing and gold chain along with Zara’s red Embossed Crossbody Bag with gold metal details, would just make the red bolt on the turtleneck pop. But what’s even cooler about this Prada bag are its cowboy influences shown by the metal accent panels on its front. And I know what you’re thinking-‘HOW COULD I MIX METALS LIKE THAT?’-all because the dress belt has silver metal detailing? What can I say, I like stirring things up a bit.

Still in the clutches of gold fever, I submit once more and opt for mismatched earrings in gold – an oversized matte gold heart with a dangling pearl and a Chloé Reese Drop earring with its double hoop design, just to give the ears, some graphic appeal to match the top.

(photo: GETTY IMAGES)

Like a moth to a flame, Ports 1961 silver shoes became my ‘precious’, for a brief moment, as I live for anything shiny. A high heel pump covered entirely in silver tinsel and silver beading just screamed one word to me – PLAID! Call it intuition, call it madness or maybe I’m just gifted or twisted – take your pick.

Look 2 – Designer Ports 1961 Pump, Fall 2018

If you didn’t know this already, I’m a huge pattern whore. Pattern play is the best way for pieces to flirt with one another. I especially love when it’s done using different plaids, in different colors, as seen above. (Another Fall trend.) Besides, what else would go better with shiny silver than plaid, right?

With orange, royal blue, grey and white Turned-Up Hem Plaid Pants and it’s matching Pleated Plaid Top featuring an asymmetrical pleat paired with a TALL Tartan Check Puffer Jacket in a teal, yellow, black and white plaid pattern, who can beat that?

What accessories would complement silver tinsel and plaid?

Iridescence and more silver of course! For earrings, all you need is one of the Neogem Diffraction Drops earrings designed by Nikki Couppee.  Lightweight faceted holographic plexiglass and brass make this earring extra special. Complete the look with this Binder Clip shoulder bag by Off-White, that cinches the high and low brands together seamlessly.

  (photo: GETTY IMAGES)

Tibi’s designer boot, in salmon red, is a surprise indeed. You don’t often see boots in that color. But it’s the shape of it that really caught my attention. There’s the pointy toe with a sloping dip on the top of the foot.  If you took the long leg off the boot, you’d be left with wearing a mule. Then you have its heel that looks like an even wider cylinder, underneath the heel of the foot.

Look 3 – Designer Tibi Boot, Fall 2018

For this Fall designer shoe, I chose to pair it with a Mary Katrantzou Sequined Block Dress. A silk dress, covered in clear sequins to highlight its mostly pastel-colored rectangle print. With a round neck, long sleeves and its maxi length, it plays up Fall season’s trend of modesty. Pair that with a white Mensy Blazer by Boutique, another Fall trend, and the mix of masculine and feminine will just add that something extra to the mix. I love how one pocket flap is slightly higher than the other. It perfectly mimics the different heights of the rectangles printed on the dress.

And accessories?

To round out this look, I recommend wearing Alessandra Rich’s Crystal Draped Circle Clip-On earrings, with its rows of layered crystal rows. These earrings would definitely add a little more sparkle and high drama to your look. Their large size, the geometric depth of the dress would really stand out. And finally, I would opt for The Volon’s Cindy Leather & Velvet Clutch in Velvet Pink, to carry my phone, lipstick, keys etc.

Inspired by Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage, with its rounded silhouette, this beautiful little number will be treasured for years. With pink velvet and metallic pink leather panels, they’re neatly gathered together by a drawstring gold chain. What’s great is that can be worn long or short. If that’s not dramatic enough, it has a dark olive feathered tassel at its base held together by a wide gold band. Finally, your effortlessly chic look is complete!

I hope you find inspiration from these looks I’ve styled for you.  And remember, DON’T LET THE CLOTHES WEAR YOU!

Let me know in the comments if you like or hate the looks – I’d love to know.

Zac Posen has prepared us for a Spring where romance and florals will conquer all. The collection featured plenty of looks reminiscent of Sixties glamour and ladylike appeal. Simultaneously, modern touches sprinkled throughout, elevated romantic silhouettes to new heights.

Most pieces could easily make their way from the office to a night out, just by switching up your accessories and maybe adding a strong eye or lip. Sometimes, these floral details appeared as colorful line drawings on top of sheer fabrics. One design that did this with great success was the strapless midi dress below. Depicting other parts of a flower like large leaves, made this dress stand out amongst the rest. Alternatively, you would just find a floral pattern complete with bold strokes of color, further enhanced by hints of metallic accents.

Floral Modesty Takes Center Stage

There were some dresses that played up a woman’s modesty. with its midi skirt + short sleeves with tie detail, while simultaneously, submitting to a woman’s figure with a heavily darted torso, highlighting the waistline + slightly accentuating the bust. A similar dress in white reminded me of a vintage nurse’s uniform, minus the tie detail + wider short sleeves, a lot could be by undoing a few more buttons on top, would deepen the neckline, exposing the hint of a lacy or mesh bra and adding sexy high heels, would definitely change the mood to effortless sizzle.

But in true Posen form, there were gowns for days, which he always masters. By now, I’m thinking he does this wearing a blindfold. I’m sure with awards season underway, how could he resist?

Some of the looks reminded me of two stunning celebrities. Actress Shanina Shaik would definitely capture our gaze walking down the red carpet in one of these dresses. Whereas Amal Clooney would just stop photographers dead in their tracks with her beauty and elegance. Thankfully, the designer offered an alternative to a dress being a maxi skirt. A long gray column skirt decorated with gray florals offered an alternative to his other skirted looks. Paired with a voluminous blouse bearing open shoulder detail and you’re ready for a night out with casual flair.

Shoes With Floral Personality

However, my favorite element from the whole collection was the shoes.  The satin T-strap heeled shoes had what looked like floral still lifes embellishing the heel. Designed in contrasting colors, they were hard to miss. The floral designs looked like brooches attached to the heel due to how much they protruded from the shoe.

(photos: Courtesy of Zac Posen)

(via VOGUE RUNWAY)

A few weeks ago, after attending an early morning Saturday dance class at Spec-Chuan Movement & Arts Center (SCMA), I started crushing on Queens in a big way. I took my first ever Bollywood class (part of their World Series classes), taught by Sankalp Sharma. Much to my surprise, not only did my body break a sweat but it also made me regress back. Back to my days back in daycare, I found myself running around, in every direction, to warm up. But you’ve been warned. Being in a room full of strangers, so early, running around like a small kid is sure to cause giggling.

How The Release First Started Thanks To Bollywood

Once Sharma began describing the first part of the choreography, I came to appreciate Bollywood dancing that much more. Like interpretive dance, your dance moves become a type of sign language to describe song lyrics. We danced to a love song. In it, the singer describes trying to seduce their love interest. Our dance moves then re-enact their every move to ensure he or she take notice.

We first started waving our hands while walking forward to highlight our swagger. Then we motioned to dipping biscuits in tea, which demonstrated our love. A few moves later, we cooled down with deep breathing and quick stretches.

But what made SCMA so special to drag me out of my bed in West Harlem to make it all the way to Queens on a Saturday morning? Quite simply, its founder, Xiao Chuan Xie (a.k.a. Chuan, pronounced ‘Truan’), seen below, + her journey that led to opening such an incredible place.

How Xiao “Chuan” Xie Started Her Love Affair With Dance

Chuan started her dancing career in the Nanjing Jingling Arts Organization in China + trained as a ballerina before her 2009 descent into New York to join the Martha Graham Dance Company (a modern dance institution), which led to rave reviews from the New York Times. In 2015, Chuan then made her way to Broadway starring in the Tony award-winning production of ‘The King & I’, part of Lincoln Center’s Theater 2015 revival, with critical acclaim. Yet, this newfound success came at a price, which I further explored when interviewing Chuan.

(photo: Paul Kolnik)

From Chuan’s bio, I learned how Chuan’s mind + body disconnect led to her birth of SCMA. According to her, the grueling non-stop eight-hour days of dancing/rehearsal as a professional dancer (with Martha Graham Dance Company) kept chipping away at her body in ways a lot deeper than what lied on the surface. Once on Broadway, while doing intense repetitive movements on autopilot, regardless of her flexibility, led to a hip injury in 2015. During her recovery period, she discovered many ways to connect her body with her mind.

Finding The Connection Between Dance And Therapy

Chuan’s various therapeutic methods included Physical Therapy + Acupuncture, which made her aware of herself where she told me she was experiencing how the body can restore so many of our childhood traumas and memories without the conscious mind knowing it. She added, “ I found out that I would unconsciously lock my arms close to myself as a result of locking my rib cage as well as if I was over-protecting myself.

I discovered that my tailbone was always tucked under first because of my ballet training, second I believe it’s because the female protection (I am still studying this fact, which is fascinatingly happening to a lot of females); I also explored that I could connect with my organs, fluids, and nerves when moving so I would be more fully supported.” (See diagram below) So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that other classes taught at SCMA include Pilates, Yoga, Mindfulness Practice, Joy Flow + Evening Stretch.

I am able to see people’s movement pattern clearly + provide a suitable exercise or class for different people

Of course, being a Certified Movement Analyst from Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies, Chuan deepened her understanding. Understanding how the human body and movement relates to our health and mental state brings us back to the importance of the mind and body connection. As the diagram above shows, when moving your finger, your toe or hand can affect your brain. This, in turn, is why I should’ve taken my dance class barefoot. Barefoot, I would’ve felt the energy reverberating throughout the bamboo floors up into me.

How Laban Movement Analysis Played A Role In Chuan’s Style

According to Chuan, Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) is a tool to observe and experience human movement in a detailed + multilateral way. Dance/Movement Therapy’s main observation method is based on LMA. Chuan explained, “I am able to see people’s movement pattern clearly and provide a suitable exercise or class for different people,“ + what better place to celebrate different people than in Queens for SCMA’s location over a spot in Brooklyn, the hub of NYC cool or even Manhattan.

It’s All In A Name

Even in deciding on the name, Spec-Chuan Movement & Arts Center, the inclusion of differences was one of the main components. Originally set to launch in 2016, at the time, Chuan told me how she asked friends to brainstorm ideas for the name. She mentioned to a friend how much she loved the rainbow because of how it always makes people smile + it contains so many colors and that friend suggested the word ‘Spectrum’.

Chuan said it sounded like Spec-Chuan. “I didn’t know the meaning of the word at the moment. Then I checked the meaning + I fell in love with it! Especially the Latin word ‘specter’ means ‘vision, apparition’,” said Chuan, whereas Chuan means river in Chinese. Chuan added, “I have this vision of light shining on a body of water, the water reflects the different colors of light back to the sky, + the water is flowing and the colors are changing constantly. The name fits my belief of the inclusiveness in an ever-changing world.”

The Importance Of Places Like SCMA

Now what I found to be so fascinating is Chuan’s timing for such a place. Considering the political climate that we’re living in now, SCMA is a safe place where different cultures are celebrated. With various dance classes offered, what better way to check your stress at the door than through dance? The dance classes include Bollywood, African/Caribbean, and Chinese Folk Dance. Everyone is regarded as the same is the great equalizer.

I even noticed for myself, through a quick neighborhood tour led by Chuan surrounding SCMA, the great diversity of cultures. You couldn’t ignore the heavy enclave of Chinese, Indian/Pakistani, Hispanic, and Caribbean people that live there. So for as much as these people might pass each other on the street on a daily basis, imagine them coming together to meet one another + shower each other with accolades through their different cultural dances? (Exploring dances from other cultures is in the works for the future.)

But Chuan isn’t the only one that’s noticed the impact wellness has on people’s lives. Immigrants themselves have taken notice. I am able to see people’s movement pattern clearly + provide a suitable exercise or class for different people. Throughout various stops during our tour, we came across many fruit markets. Some featured organic, freshly made juices + smoothies. Which signified how health was a signifier to the changing hood. SCMA’s presence in this Queens hood has added more synergy to a place already harmonious with the change of the times. Meanwhile, you can still find parts that have remained untouched for almost thirty years.

When thinking about Queens, don’t just think about all you can eat. Let this be a reminder of how much more you can experience. Go and visit Spec-Chuan Movement & Arts Center for a dance class. Not only will you not regret it but you’ll leave relaxed, smiling + maybe make a few friends. Click here to schedule your first class.

Enjoy!

As a lover of birds from a very early age myself, there was no denying Birds by Hunt Slonem, © 2017, published by Glitterati Incorporated, would be a book I would instantly love. What makes Hunt’s work so striking is a lot to process. It’s not so much his brilliant use of color and repetition, but it’s also the tactile aspect of his paintings, with the many layers of paint + his handling of that medium used to create the amazing and globally acclaimed iterations of birds shown throughout this impressive 272-page tome.

This hardcover masterpiece is such that Hunt’s avian subjects seem to beg for a hint of flight with the flip of every page while spilling onto its silver gilded pages, it’s gray satin ribbon bookmarker and all over the inside covers.

(”SWALLOWTAIL 1′, 2009 | ‘PARROTS’, 2013)

Exotic, lush landscapes of his childhood years in Hawaii influenced Hunt greatly. Writer, reporter and cartoonist Anthony Haden Guest pointed out, “Slonem has noted that he first was fascinated by parakeets when he was ten, and at sixteen bought some birds in a market in Nicaragua,” as A Colorful Home To Suit His Colorful Feathered Friends.

After visiting his New York studio once myself, I was transported into another reality. Each room I passed through was a work of art on its own. Several rooms completely painted in one singular color are briefly captured in the book. These colorful spaces were not only home to Hunt’s variety of exotic birds but to many of his painted works.

Inside, you could see parrots, parakeets, macaws, and cockatoos along with other exotic birds. But you could also see different groupings of the artist’s paintings + sculptures (below).

Slonem was first fascinated by parakeets when he was ten and at sixteen bought some birds in a market in Nicaragua

Repetition Proved To Be A Huge Influence

Repetitive imagery, a motif synonymous with Hunt’s work, brought to mind, Andy Warhol. Hunt himself even mentioned this in an Interview magazine December 2011 interview, by Claire Stein. Slone said, “I was influenced by Warhol’s repetition of soup cans and Marilyn.” Adding, “But I’m more interested in doing it in the sense of prayer, with repetition… It’s really a form of worship.”

Repetition is quite evident in his attention to detail. Notice his signature of deep crosshatch marks applied to most of his paintings.

I’m more interested in doing it in the sense of prayer, with repetition… It’s really a form of worship

These indentations, a signature of Hunt’s work, further the theory of repetition. They give the image a sense of movement. But in Guest’s BIRDS essay, ‘You’re In Wonderland’, regarding this repeat technique,

Slonem will usually paint them in profile, as did John James Audubon, and he often arranges them by species + in multiple images, but not so as to emphasize their sameness in the manner of most painters of multiples, but rather to bring out at once their abundant presence and their lively uniqueness.

(‘TOCOS 1’, 2008 | ‘HERB’S CARDINALS’, 2014 )

Technique is Everything

Author Jacqueline Bograd Weld describes Hunt’s paintings as “literally a whirl of paint-a thick impasto that Hunt grids or swirls at will.” Then adds how “the birds + images appear and reappear in a purely visual space, an all-over style, in which there is no clear beginning or end or edge or corner.”

It reminded her of his stylistic roots in the recurring imagery of abstract expressionism and in Jackson Pollock’s gestural painting. You can find this inside the Foreword A Fond Sonore. This clearly sets the tone for every masterpiece he assumes to create. Slonem always succeeds in creating masterpieces. Applying that last stroke of paint and or that last line cutting through it is a recipe for awe.

(‘RUFUS ROLLER’, 2013)

With over one hundred bird paintings, Birds by Hunt Slonem, © 2017, published by Glitterati Incorporated, is sure to make a delightful gift for anyone. If they check off birds, color, patterns, texture, and fashion as their loves, this is the book to get them. But if not for someone else, it’s sure to breathe new life into your own personal art book collection. It’s perfect for escaping into the far tropics enhanced by one artist’s vivid imagination + deep adoration for birds.

As with all of Glitterati Incorporated’s books, Birds by Hunt Slonem, © 2017, published by Glitterati Incorporated, is a ‘must-cop’ and available for purchase here.

(gif: cause and yvette)

Called the ‘Interchangeable Workwear for the Hybrid Worker’, designer Olivia Le Blanc’s AW 2017 collection not only breaks gender barriers but also repurposes utilitarian looks with futuristic appeal under her brand ØBLANC.

Deconstructed to be worn in multiple ways, you have lots of “helper” to make it happen. Using various fasteners, bag straps + zippers, change the look of the wearer in several ways. Different pieces get to show some skin or distort one’s silhouette. By allowing the user to change the item’s fit every time, you really can’t get bored here. Let’s face it, who likes to be seen in the same thing twice, let alone pay more money to own more than one of the same? According to HUNGER magazine, this all ties into ‘ØBLANC’s focus on longevity + multi-purpose fashion, as well as paying homage to the functional + historic styles worn for work.’

If you love really long sleeves, you’ll love these. Why not just attach longer ones to it with the help of straps? Then consider removing them later? If you want to avoid getting them dirty when you reach for your hot cocoa come Fall of course. But what would inspire New York’s own to create such beauty with items most dismiss as looking too much like a uniform? Simply, Le Blanc told HUNGER how “the functionality + durability of workwear combined with interchangeability + unconventional materials” inspired this collection. Le Blanc’s sensitivity for the environment is made possible by using recycled materials + giving them that ‘little extra something special’ with her own spin to the final creation. In fact, Le Blanc told HUNGER how she’s been repurposing items dating back to her high school days. Le Blanc said, ” I think it is a great way to eliminate overproduction + influence DIY creativity for the masses,” adding, “I also think using unconventional materials such as inflatables +d rubber boots are an interesting trend in sustainability.”

Of course, don’t think for one second that Le Blanc is on the gender fluidity bandwagon simply because it is popular + the direction of the future, but it’s part of the founding philosophy for ØBLANC. As she told HUNGER, “The philosophy for ØBLANC is creating iterations of hybrid gender through the clothes. There is a need in American fashion for reducing the divide of femininity + masculinity in fashion. There needs to be more boldness in this realm of style.”

(gif: cause and yvette)

  Overall, ØBLANC’s AW 2017 collection is not only interesting, unique + wearable but definitely one to keep watching for seasons to come.

    (gif: cause and yvette)

(photos: HUNGER)

(via HUNGER)

(NSFW – Strong nudity)

Your naked body by itself is sometimes weird upon observation, so imagine showing it to a bunch of strangers, for the sake of art?! Well, last Friday, I did just that. I participated in an art project that was both liberating and exhilarating!

If you were in the Times Square area that day, you might have seen my naked body. Thankfully, I was not alone. Along with more than 100 men + women, getting our bodies painted, as part of the free ‘BODY NOTES’ project aimed to promote body positivity. Considered ‘a powerful, positive visual feast’ by Cosmopolitan magazine, participants + on-lookers alike really enjoyed this event of using the naked body as a canvas to highlight different body types in bright colors. Much to my surprise + bewilderment, I found myself amongst their article photos, sporting my ‘resting bitch face’, as my friends often tease me, in all my blue naked glory.

(photo: GETTY | COSMOPOLITAN)

Inspired by the ‘Subway Therapy‘ art project comprised of post-its, creators Andy Golub, producer of NYC Bodypainting Day and Matthew Chavez, the street artist behind the subway project, thought it would be a great way for people to express themselves. And what better way than through their chosen words of affirmation and our bodies + that we did! But don’t you believe for a second, my decision to participate was an easy one to make.

(photo: cause and yvette)

Building Up The Courage To Go Bare

Three weeks prior to the event, after seeing the ad with photos of past models, I became interested. I noticed the different statements across their torsos. And immediately, I thought,what I would write across mine?’. The only quote that popped into my head was by Nina Simone. I had seen a late Sixties interview of hers. When asked what freedom meant to her, she replied, “I’ll tell you what Freedom means to me. No fear.”

Freedom = No Fear

No other words could capture part of my journey, better than those when it came to body positivity. But my artist didn’t think they would all fit on my ‘body note’. So, I compromised and shortened it to read ‘FREEDOM = NO FEAR” as seen above.

After receiving my email confirming my pre-registration, I replied if a thong was going to be provided? They replied, “No – It’s full nude but you’ll be in good company.” Now, I struggled with the idea of not doing it as I had a problem with being fully naked.  But, I kept thinking, “I need to step out of my comfort zone.” And as Andy told New York Daily News, “Everyone feels that being naked is such a big thing but in reality that’s just who we are,” adding, “When you experience this, it quickly becomes no big deal,” + indeed it wasn’t, as seen here in one of the newspaper’s photos.

(photo: Shannon Stapleton, Reuters|NEW YORK DAILY NEWS)

Getting My Body Ready For The ‘World’

After agreeing with myself that I was going to do this, I knew that my body needed a little boost. You see, I had not been consistent with exercising and wanted to look my best. For the next three weeks, I worked out harder just to look a little better naked for the ‘big reveal’. But let’s face it, not much was going to drastically change overnight.

I have a five foot by five-foot mirror in my living room. Every time I pass by it, I look at myself and my body. It doesn’t matter if I’m going to the kitchen or getting ready to go out.  I always sneak a peek, no matter what. So you can imagine my obsession during this time prior to my Times Square nakedness. Sometimes, I would even look into the mirror, with my back turned, bent forward, walking back to see how much cellulite was visible on the back of my thighs. Yeah, crazy, I know.

Having Latina Curves And High Fashion Taste

For me, the way my body looked was a major issue for most of my life. As a Dominican-American Latina, my weight was never an issue-the curvier the better. Growing up, having curves was something to celebrate especially in my family. I never saw a problem with how my body looked, no matter how big my hips, legs, cheeks or butt became.

Born and raised in New York City, one of the most fashionable cities in the world, my first glimpse of high fashion, ironically, was a variation of my first name – Yves. My love for high fashion was ignited by an early memory of a model in a Yves Saint Laurent pantsuit, sans blouse. I don’t remember if it was in a movie or from a magazine, but it changed my life. From that moment on, I was hooked. Of course, you never would’ve guessed that after seeing half of my childhood pics. I was a late, late bloomer, with braces, wait for it, ‘headgear’, and glasses to add to my mystique.

(photo: cause and yvette)

But Where Did My Curves Fit In High Fashion?

As I grew older and got more into fashion, my ideas of beauty and how my body fit into all that, changed and unfortunately, became distorted. I still wanted the curves, but, with the thinness of the models, I saw everywhere, caused me to question a disconnect. The thing is when you have an hourglass figure, the way clothes hang on you is very different than how they hang on someone thin.

My body started changing. My weight fluctuated through the years marked by the strategically placed stretch marks that ravaged my body. But that didn’t come as a surprise. Stretch marks are sometimes given birth by sporadic weight gain and weight loss. To make peace with my stretch marks, I dedicated a poem to them. After that, I started calling them ‘my friends’, as they became a part of me, making my body their home.

And I tell you this when I was standing naked in Times Square, I didn’t care who was keeping count of how many I had or how dimpled my butt or thighs looked, especially when painted all blue, my color of choice. Wanting to channel Mystique from the X-Men, I chose blue for my body and yellow for my ‘body note’ square. The blue, however, turned out to be more Na’vi from Avatar, but, I still went for it. My paint job was complete and I was happy being blue. I was so in love with the blue and the experience, I rode the subway back home, still all blue, dressed in my clothes and navy shades (at least those matched).

(photo: Anthony Delmundo|NEW YORK DAILY NEWS)

The Day To ‘Go Naked’ Arrives

That Friday, I methodically picked out an outfit that was easy to take off and put back on. I decided to wear Italian dance pants with a drawstring waist, a tee shirt, and flip-flops. I didn’t wear any makeup as I was going to be all blue in a few hours.

Once I arrived, in a body shaking with nerves,  I proceeded to check myself in. All checked in, I made my way to the painting supplies table. There, I picked up my blue and yellow paints, sponges, paintbrushes, and a towel to stand over.

I found a spot and laid down my towel. But as I looked around, I noticed something. Never have I’ve seen so many amateur photographers and phones held high at ten in the morning. That part was a bit unnerving. However, I wasn’t going to let that stop me to do what I came to do!

“Paint Your Genitals First!”

I first pulled down my pants revealing my thong underwear (usually all I wear). Then the tee came off, followed by my bra and underwear. Starting with my arms, I began dabbing blue paint on my body. Then I hear this event organizer yell out to paint our genitals first. A volunteer body painter eventually made her way to help me completely transform. And I’ll never forget how sweet she was.  If I needed something from the ground, she made sure to get it for me. Since I was naked, I had no business to bend for anything.

Orange, blue and yellow naked people surrounded me and by this point, I was all blue. All of these people were smiling because they were giving their pride of who they were a ‘voice’. ‘Body Notes’ like ‘INTROVERTS ARE AWESOME’ sweetened the car exhaust-filled air. The traffic of cars stopped intermittently to catch a glimpse of all of our naked painted bodies. You couldn’t help but smile and enjoy the process of being part of something like this. As part of American society, we all struggle with loving ourselves. But, as it’s so true what RuPaul says at the end of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’,

“If you can’t love yourself how in the hell you gonna be able to love someone else?”

If you could get your naked body painted, what would you have chosen as your ‘Body Note’ + why? I’d love to know in the comments. Paint me curious!

As a lover of birds, silk pajama robes + all things OFF-WHITE c/o VIRGIL ABLOH, this piece is one to covet for life!

Besides the impressive colorful bird print in various sizes caught in mid-flight, against a black silk background, this long ‘OFF-WHITE Birds Print Pyjama Robe’ features the classic detail of contrast white piping throughout, a tie waist, a shawl collar + long sleeves. But it’s designer Virgil Abloh’s genius play of juxtapositions is what really makes this so good.

At first, what came to mind was the opulence of Japanese kimonos, often connected to luxury with a heavy price tag, like this one. But when stripped of its original silhouette + substituted for that of the relaxed yukata robe, its less expensive cousin, you have a winner. As usual, this is where Abloh’s genius use of juxtaposition hits high marks.

This robe sports an impressive assortment of colorful birds in various sizes caught in mid-flight, set against a black silk backdrop with contrasting white piping throughout, giving it that pajama feel. And if that weren’t enough, you have the word ‘WOMAN’ in all caps, embroidered across the top of the robe’s back. So what woman wouldn’t want to add this to her arsenal of fashion musts?!

For your very own ‘OFF-WHITE Birds Print Pyjama Robe’ head over to FARFETCH but quick, as they have very few left!

With Lana Del Rey, you’re always promised moody, sweet + sultry vocals as heard here in her new music video for ‘Lust For Life’ featuring The Weeknd. ‘Lust For Life’, the title track of her new album, with no release date in sight yet, beautifully envelopes the listener in a soft whispered kiss of lyrics, sung by both Del Rey + The Weeknd.

Opening with Del Rey singing on set, the camera follows her heels with lace ruffled ankle socks, to the top of the “H” of the Hollywood sign, which is a literal take on her opening lyrics:

Climb up the H of the Hollywood sign, yeah In these stolen moments The world is mine (doo wop, doo wop) There’s nobody here, just us together (shadoop, shadoop) Keepin’ me hot like July forever

Here, Del Rey meets up with The Weeknd who serenades her with his sweet + sexy voice which compliments hers so well during their chorus. They slowly dance into the end, where she slides off the Hollywood “D”, landing in a floral field right next to him.

Here’s to crossing my fingers the remixes are that much better!

Enjoy!

(via pitchfork)